By Centenarian Arrested For Cannabis Sales
Esther Ogunmabo, an elderly woman whom authorities say is 101, has been arrested in Nigeria for allegedly selling cannabis. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced that the great-grandmother was apprehended on Saturday in Ogun state, in the south-west of the country. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the suspect’s advanced age.
Femi Babafemi, the agency’s media director, said the centenarian was found with “retail sachets of skunk, a strain of cannabis weighing 90 grams, which she claims she sells to locals”. The NDLEA stated that Ogunmabo was accused of selling the substance in smaller quantities to customers in her community.
Fire Displacement Cited As Motive
Ogunmabo told investigators that she turned to the illicit drug trade after her provisions shop was destroyed by fire. According to the NDLEA, one of her daughters, who lives in Lagos, allegedly arranged for the supply of the substance to her every four days. Ogunmabo is accused of then selling it on in smaller quantities to customers in her community.
The suspect’s arrest highlights the specific circumstances leading to her involvement in the trade. She claimed that the destruction of her shop forced her into this new activity. The regular supply from her daughter in Lagos was central to the alleged operation.
Bail Granted And Daughter Detained
NDLEA chief executive Mohamed Marwa directed that the suspect be granted bail and given counselling because of her advanced age. Ogunmabo has been released on bail following her arrest. Her bail status means she could still be charged for criminal activity.
Her daughter, who allegedly arranged the supply of the cannabis, has also been arrested.
